Link: Fairfield University HomeBanner: Alumni
Home > Alumni > Awards and Recognition > Athletic Hall of Fame > 1994 Hall of Fame Inductees
Link: About FairfieldLink: AdmissionLink: AcademicsLink: AthleticsLink: Student LifeLink: Arts & EnrichmentLink: Administration



1994 Hall of Fame Inductees

 

Michael S. Collins '77, cross country, track and field: In his freshman year at Fairfield University, Michael Collins joined the cross country and track and field teams and began his career as one of the most prolific runners in Fairfield's history. In his four years of participation with the cross country team he was the team's captain from 1974-77, top scorer three years in a row, and set the University's record 23.28 for a 4.8 mile course. He also set the University's record of 24.49 for a 5 mile course at the Southern Maine University Invitational and won the individual championship at the Fairfield University Invitational in 1976 - the only male Fairfield runner ever to do so in the meet's 17 year history. Michael was a two-year captain of the track team and the team's top scorer in 1976. During his four year track career, he set University records for the indoor and outdoor mile, indoor and outdoor two mile, and the 880 yard run. All of the records set by Michael still stand today.

Christopher J. O'Connell '87, men's swimming: Chris joined the Fairfield University men's swim team as a freshman and had an immediate impact on the team. Over the next four years he would be a consistent top two finisher in freestyle events and set University records in the 50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 400 medley relay, 400 free relay, and 800 free relay. His record of 22.35 seconds for the 50 free still stands today. His swimming prowess earned Chris selection to the All MAAC Team in 1985 and 1986, and a ranking of 19th in New England in 1986-87, and naming him the team's Most Valuable Performer in 1985, 1986, and 1987.

Dana D. Pellegrino '88, women's basketball, softball: Dana appeared on the Fairfield University sports scene in 1984 and immediately had an impact on the women's basketball and softball programs. On the hard court, Dana set a team rookie record of 146 assists and was named the team's and MAAC's Rookie of the Year. Her basketball achievements continued as she led the team twice in scoring and finished fifth on the all-time Lady Stags leading scorers list with 1,530 points. Dana's basketball abilities earned her several honors including selection to the Women's Basketball First Team All-MAAC in 1986-87 and 1987-88, MAAC All-Academic Teams twice, honorable mention All-American twice, MAAC Tournament MVP in 1988, and GTE Academic All-American for District I in 1988. Her greatest basketball moment was leading the Lady Stags to a come from behind victory in the 1988 MAAC Finals, and the School's first MAAC Women's Basketball Tournament title and NCAA appearance. Dana's athletic ability also shined on the softball diamond as she led the team in batting average in three seasons. Her junior year batting average of .440 was the sixth highest of all Division I players in the nation, and was topped only by her senior year average of .463, the second highest in the nation in 1988. In her softball career Dana was an All-MAAC selection three times and All-New England All-Star in her senior year. As a result of her accomplishments, Dana was named the Fairfield University Female Varsity Athlete of the Year three times, and received the ECAC Medal of Merit and the Fairfield University Alumni Association Student Achievement Award in her senior year.

Alberto V. Zappala '82, baseball, men's soccer: Al is another athlete who showed his talents in two sports, baseball and men's soccer. On the baseball diamond, Al was a three year starter at second base and shortstop. He compiled a career batting average of .307, which ranks him currently 11th on the Stags all-time batting average list. He batted .298 during the team's ECAC Regional appearance, and was named a New England Division I Baseball All-Star in 1980. His proudest athletic moment was playing in the All-Star game at Boston's Fenway Park, and his subsequent selection by the Minnesota Twins in the Major League Baseball draft. Al was also a leader on the soccer field. Playing alongside 1989 Hall of Fame inductee Mark Longwell '82, Al was one of the team's top three goal scorers in each of his four seasons, including leading the team in scoring in 1978. He completed his soccer career with 18 goals and 10 assists.